Sydney. A good lookin’, sprawling metropolis known for its sparkling harbour and unique brand of laid-back glamour.

Home to what is considered one of the most spectacular New Years fireworks displays, Sydney is more than gleaming waters, well-known bridges and one-way streets. The grungier, edgier side of Sydney shines through the inner west with suburbs like Newton playing host to the more colourful characters of the city.

With private beaches dotting the shores of the northern suburbs and an array of fine dining restaurants popping up in the east, Sydney is an eclectic mix of styles with a darker underside to explore.

So if you want to experience both sides of the coin, skip the hotel and take a look at one of these sweet as AirBnb stays instead.

#1 Luxico | Mosman Bay

This luxury waterfront home is an architectural masterpiece. Embracing the best of Sydney with unadulterated harbour views, it features large balconies perfect for evening cocktails, an infinity pool and a bottle of bubbles awaiting your arrival.

#2 Trendy Loft Apartment | Chippendale

This converted warehouse is our kind of place. Oozing with a laid back cool, it has everything from an indoor hammock to Netflix on offer. Located next to popular eateries and pubs, it is a relaxed space for entertaining and whiling the days away with the latest series of “Suits.”

#3 Yacht Stay | Palm Beach Pittwater

Want 360-degree water views? The ability to jump from bed into the water? Then Beneteau Oceanis yachts are the perfect escape for you. Not your classic Airbnb stay, this stunning fleet is for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Your gracious hosts will even set you up with a gourmet seafood platter while you watch the glittering harbour slide by.

#4 Apartment Curated By Two Thousand | Paddington

If you want to feel like a true Sydney-sider, this trendy apartment in Sydney’s east is the perfect place to start. Decked out by the team behind Sydney’s guide to the city, Two Thousand, it is an eclectic mix of objects sourced from local shops and designers.

#5 Contemporary Living | Newtown

Located in the heart of the inner west, this designer apartment is a colourful take on a converted church. It consists of three levels with a small deck for entertaining and is a stone’s throw from the wonderfully weird and wacky locals that inhabit Newtown.

#6 Private Beach Getaway | Manly

If you want to get away from it all, or simply don’t like people that much, then this unique Manly home is the place to unwind, unzip and be yourself. You’ll be treated to your own private beach which is perfect for the odd skinny dip or two, along with breathtaking harbour views and a Sonos sound system if you feel like entertaining your social side.

#7 Designer Warehouse | Darlinghurst

Taking ‘sleek’ to the next level, this converted warehouse boasts wide open spaces, designer furnishings and a fireplace perfect for cooler nights. Located in an inner-east setting, it is moments away from Ruschcutter’s Bay as well as fine dining and edgier bars.

#8 Sprawling Home | Vaucluse

There’s plenty of room to play in this sprawling Vaucluse home. Sleek and modern with edgy art plastering the walls, it has everything you could need to live a life of luxury. The outdoor pool is perfect for a midnight dip if you don’t feel like heading to the beach, which is only a minutes walk away.

#9 Going Bush | Bucketty

A man cave if we’ve ever seen one, this rustic, robust treehouse getaway is for those who want to escape the big smoke and head bush. It includes everything from outdoor speakers to a spit roast, making it the ideal escape for you and your mates.

#10 Artist’s Inner City Warehouse | Redfern

The Formica table and vintage record player are a dead giveaway that this cool inner-city apartment is the work of some very talented artists. We love the open spaces, splashes of colour and the fact that it’s close to every type of public transport you could need to get out and explore the city.